"Looking back on my time at the ACA fills me with pride, and I’m extremely thankful for having had the opportunity to lead this incredible organisation," says van der Haar.
"While the ACA Board expresses its sadness at the impending departure of the CEO, the industry is assured of the continuation of the industry guidance and service excellence that she established together with the board over the years," adds Boniswa Pezisa, ACA board chair.
"She leaves a legacy of organisational distinction. Odette has distinguished herself as an excellent and ethical leader; a symbol of professionalism within the organisation, and the industry as a whole," adds Pezisa.
While a change in the guard at the ACA takes place, van der Haar says her intention is to continue to play an active role in the profession within the ACA structures where possible, and if invited to do so.
"I admire so many people with whom I have come into contact. These 11 years were incredibly stimulating for me, and I hope that my colleagues, the board and the committees feel the same way."
Under her leadership, the ACA has achieved a number of goals and milestones. These include driving transformation and seeing the MAC Charter promulgated; growing the APEX Awards into a respected awards programme; fighting intellectual property abuse through the Tenders and Pitches Code of Conduct; increasing the level of professionalism and business efficiency at the AAA School, and raising 72 bursaries via the APEX Awards.
Van der Haar also promoted the industry code of conduct and professional culture, which has, over the past years, seen the ACA consistently be judged as the most highly respected industry organisation.
She acknowledged the need to adapt the association in order to ensure long-term relevance, building a stable, financially secure base, which would fund developmental and socio-economic priorities.
She launched the Agency Locator, expanded the Salary Survey and was behind the soon-to-be-launched new website, which will include transactional functionality for members.
She also networked and developed a working relationship with a number of government departments, NGOs and other industry associations.
"We will be engaging all stakeholders over the coming days and weeks, and assure all of a smooth and transparent transition of leadership," adds Pezisa.
Pezisa concludes, "We wish Odette well in her new role, and look forward to her continued effective contribution to the industry, both as the CEO of a global agency and through one or more of the ACA committees."
Van der Haar will remain in office until the end of June. The board will announce the official search for a new CEO in due course.
For more information, visit www.acasa.co.za. You can also follow the ACA on Facebook or on Twitter.